“Xiao Bing, come on in.”
“Yeah, yeah, Brother-in-law, here are your slippers.”
“Brother-in-law, let me pour you some water.”
“Would you like a drink, tea, or maybe some wine?”
As soon as Dong Xuebing stepped through the door and greeted everyone with a couple of words, Xie Ran and Fang Shuiling, as if they had rehearsed it, eagerly surrounded him. They handed him slippers, poured him water, and fussed over him as they escorted him to the sofa.
Dong Xuebing waved his hand dismissively. “No need for all this.”
“We can’t not,” Xie Ran insisted, passing him the cup. “Have some water first.”
Dong Xuebing, feeling a bit parched, gulped down the water and set the glass down. “Alright, alright, you two sit down as well. There's no need to be so formal.
Dong Xuebing chuckled, “I’ve already said it has little to do with me. It’s your family’s understanding and reasonableness. I just went and said a few words. Anyone else could’ve done the same. It’s no big deal. Alright, stop fussing over me and take a seat. You two will have a busy day tomorrow.” Turning to Xie Guoliang and Xia Yanzhen, he said, “Uncle, Aunt, the plan is to meet Fang Shuiling’s parents for a private meal tomorrow at noon.” The location hasn’t been decided yet, but we’ll let Fang Shuiling know as soon as it is. If you two are available, that’d be great.”
Xie Guoliang nodded, “We’re free.”
Xia Yanzhen said, “Xiao Bing, you’ve worked hard.”
“I didn’t work hard. I was treated well at the Fang family’s house with plenty of food and drink. What’s there to feel tired about?” Dong Xuebing said cheerfully. “The kids are the ones who have had a tough time. At least it’s all settled now.”
Fang Shuiling looked at Dong Xuebing apologetically, biting her lip in embarrassment. “It wasn’t all good food and drink. My mom told me everything over the phone.”
Xie Jing blinked, “Didn’t they treat you to dinner? And tea while chatting about TV shows?”
“Not at all. My family...” Fang Shuiling hesitated, unsure of how to put it into words.
Han Jing laughed, “Didn’t I say so? You can listen to what Xiao Bing says with one ear, but don’t take it too seriously.”
Dong Xuebing coughed awkwardly. “Mom, am I really that unreliable? Alright, I admit that what I described and what actually happened may differ slightly, but the overall gist is accurate. I might have added a tiny bit of artistic embellishment, that’s all.”
Xie Ran suddenly realized, “Wait, what exactly happened? How did your family ultimately agree?
Fang Shuiling replied gratefully, “It’s all thanks to Brother Dong. He convinced my family. My second aunt, who has always been against him, became so upset that she said she’d only agree to our relationship if a pie fell from the sky. And then, Brother Dong made a pie fall from the sky!”
“What?” Xie Ran’s eyes widened. “How did that happen?”
Fang Shuiling shook her head. “I don’t know either. That’s just what my mom told me.”
Xie Hao got excited, “Oh wow, come on, Brother-in-law! Tell us how you did it. Did a pie fall from the sky?”
Dong Xuebing waved his hand dismissively, “It was just a magic trick. You know magic, right? I’m pretty decent at it, haha.”
Xie Hao smacked the table. “Ah, darn it! If I’d known it was going to be this exciting, I’d have gone with you!
Fang Shuiling recounted everything her mom had told her, describing the events in full detail to everyone.
When Xie Jing heard that her brother-in-law shamelessly lingered at the Fang household, freeloading meals and even pretending to be drunk to stay overnight, she burst out laughing. This was just too much. What kind of proposal was this? It was the first time she’d ever heard of such a thing. But upon reflection, it seemed like exactly the kind of thing her brother-in-law would do. If the Fang family hadn’t agreed to Xie Ran and Fang Shuiling’s engagement, her brother-in-law might’ve genuinely camped out in their villa indefinitely. This kind of extreme shamelessness was classic Dong Xuebing—he’d done similar things plenty of times before.
Xie Hao was laughing nonstop.
Only a few of the elders in the room grasped the more profound implications.
Xia Yanzhen apologized, “Xiao Bing, we’ve caused you some grievance.”
Dong Xuebing smiled faintly. “Grievance? This was nothing. Auntie, you’re being too polite. This little matter is hardly worth mentioning.”
Fang Shuiling added, “Brother Dong, I’m so sorry. On behalf of my family, I would like to sincerely apologize to you. I am sorry.”
Dong Xuebing smirked slightly. “Alright, Xiao Ling, it’s nothing. As long as you and Xiao Ran live happily together from now on, that’s more important than anything else.”
Fang Shuiling’s eyes reddened a little. “I promise we will. Don’t worry.”
Xie Guoliang turned to his son. “Setting aside tomorrow’s matters, you should properly thank your brother-in-law for this proposal. Do you hear me?”
Xie Ran nodded. “Dad, I understand.”
He did understand, and so did the rest of the family. Dong Xuebing wasn’t just anyone; he was known for his fiery personality. He had survived a plane crash, fought off pirates, barged into military camps, argued with his superiors, and even yelled at Senior Xie directly to his face. He feared nothing and took pride in his dignity. Everyone knew that the Fang family had undoubtedly not treated Dong Xuebing kindly during the visit. Yet, Dong Xuebing had endured it all, smiling through the entire ordeal without a single retort—all for the sake of Xie Ran and Fang Shuiling. It wasn’t that Dong Xuebing was intimidated by the Fang family; he endured everything for their happiness. Everyone was well aware of this.
Xie Ran pulled Fang Shuiling by the hand. “Let’s bow to our brother-in-law.”
“Alright.” Fang Shuiling and Xie Ran turned and gave Dong Xuebing a deep bow.
Dong Xuebing quickly stood up and held their shoulders. “Hey, hey! What’s this all about? Is this necessary?”
Xie Ran looked at Dong Xuebing and said, “Brother-in-law, we had to bow. You’re the county party secretary now, and you must have endless work to do. Yet you took time out of your busy schedule to come back to the capital and help me and Xiao Ling. In addition to that, you put up with so much for us. I don’t even know how to express my gratitude. Anyway, if you ever need my help in the future, just let me know.
Dong Xuebing laughed. “I need your help right now—by sitting down properly. If you want to thank me, then treat my uncle and aunt well with Xiao Ling in the future. Show them more filial respect. My uncle and aunt have worried plenty over your relationship. Mutual understanding is key. Parents have the most selfless hearts, after all.”
This comment was intended to alleviate some of the tensions between Xie Guoliang, his wife, and the younger couple that the engagement had caused.
Xie Ran nodded firmly. “I will.”
Xie Guojian laughed heartily. “This Xiao Bing has changed since becoming the county party secretary. Look at him—his words are much more polished now!”
Dong Xuebing wiped his brow dramatically. “Second Uncle, I’ve always spoken with polish, thank you very much.”
Everyone laughed, and the atmosphere in the house became much lighter. Joyful tidings indeed filled the air.